Saudi intelligence services have warned of a new al-Qaida terror threat against Europe, particularly in France, the French government said.

At least seven suspected al Qaida members have been arrested in connection with an attack on Britain’s number two diplomat in Yemen, security services said today.

Militants fired a rocket at a convoy carrying Britain’s deputy ambassador in Yemen and killed a Frenchman working for an oil company today in a pair of attacks increasing fears over the safety of Westerners.